Wii Fun in the Darke

“Wii Fun in the Darke” fundraiser to benefit CAP seniors 60+

Staff members of the Brethren Retirement Community (BRC) are partnering with Darke Co. Community Action Partnership (CAP) to raise funds for CAP’s Senior Programs Activities. Jan Teaford, Director of Development at BRC, along with Audrey Plessinger, Activities Director at CAP, have initiated a social media campaign to include the youth of Darke Co. to raise enough funds for a flat screen TV, a Wii system, games, extra controllers, a DVD player and movies for seniors 60+ to enjoy at the CAP location in Greenville.

Plessinger said the idea presented itself during the Senior Citizens Day Luncheon in May which honored Wilbur Mullen, former CEO at BRC as Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year. CAP staff held a raffle during the luncheon to begin raising money for a flat screen TV and Wii system. That’s when John Warner, current CEO at BRC, discovered the lack of funding at CAP to purchase these items. One idea led to another and Jan Teaford came up with the idea of including the youth of Darke Co. to help “link the generations” in raising enough funds for the project.

Teaford set up a meeting with CAP staff to begin planning strategies for the fundraiser calling it “Wii Fun in the Darke”. Warner then surprised the group from CAP with a presentation of a 47” flat screen TV generously given by an anonymous donor from Xenia, Ohio. He explained the gentleman always comes to Darke County for the fair, loves the area, and was more than happy to give the TV to CAP.

Teaford explained that there are several teams of Wii players at BRC and they enjoy participating in Wii bowling tournaments and other sports. She said once CAP can get a team together, both groups could have a match.

Teaford and Plessinger both explained that the fundraiser will be posted on Facebook Cause page, Twitter, DarkeJournal, and other social media outlets and will provide information how individuals can contribute to this fundraiser. They both agreed that it should be easier to get the Wii system, games, controllers, DVD player & movies now that the TV has been given to the organization. A kick-off gathering will be held at the Brethren Retirement Community July 8, at 6:30 pm. Teaford and Plessinger invites anyone who would like to help with this project to attend. For more information, contact Plessinger at 548-8143 or Teaford at 547-7628.

CAP offers numerous services for senior citizens through various programs. Lunch is served daily at three congregate meal sites located in New Madison, Versailles, and Greenville and delivered to homebound seniors all over Darke County who are not able to attend a meal in a social setting. The program also offers needs assessment and referrals, homemaker services, and general and medical transport. Meals are cooked daily in the CAP kitchen and funding from the Area Agency on Aging allows meals to be offered to seniors for the suggested donation of $2 (reg. price is $7).